After travelling alongside the bomber for a few seconds, it begins banking underneath the US plane

The planes come so close the Russian pilot is clearly visible and at one point he appears to wave or salute at his US counterparts in a move reminiscent of a scene from the Tom Cruise blockbuster Top Gun.

It occurred during the 45th edition of the BALTOPS exercises, in which the Royal Navy is playing a key role.

The footage, obtained by Air Forces Monthly, shows the Russian Su-27 approaching to the right of the US Air Force B-1B.

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The US bomber had been temporarily stationed at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire in order to take part in the exercises.

The website stated that the Russian pilot acted in a “non-aggressive manner” throughout.